A second visit to Eastridge Woods for RVCWG, this time the group experienced the woods in summer with trees in leaf and flowers in bloom. On a very warm and humid evening, the breeze through the trees was welcoming!
Following paths and tracks the group of 10 weaved through the woods stopping on occasion to look at some interesting plants, listen to the birds or just to cool off. Young buzzards were seen and heard overhead, and wrens calls echoed through the trees. Stopping at some pools (at their lowest level seen by anyone in the group!) a pair of Southern Hawker dragonflies were spotted putting on quite a show against the bank. After a while of watching the dragonflies the group moved further into the woods and talked about the trees and impacts of the commercial forestry upon the landscape.
Heading back to the car park after a long meander through the woods some galls were spotted upon a young oak, four different galls on one tree! Some were identified, including the Artichoke Gall, but others were photographed for later identification. When the group disbanded, one member encountered badgers playing in a woodland clearing while bats swooped overhead – perhaps a third group visit to Eastridge is in order!
